Pats' Zamula not getting lost in translation

Despite a limited grasp of the English language, Egor Zamula talks a pretty good game.

The Russian defenceman has made a relatively smooth transition to life with the WHL’s Regina Pats, who are doing their best to help expedite his acclimation to the North American game.

“He has acquitted himself well,” head coach/GM John Paddock said early this week. “He’s eagerly trying to adapt and he’s doing a good job for us on the ice.”

He’s doing pretty well off the ice, too.

“He’s a great guy,” said defensive partner Jonathan Smart. “He’s funny in the room. For a guy who doesn’t know how to speak (the language), he likes to speak a lot (laughs). Obviously he’s excited to learn. Since he got here his English has improved by 100 per cent. He’s working hard every day and I’m sure when it gets up to speed his game will just take off from there.”

Zamula, 17, received a crash course while dressing for all six of Regina’s exhibition games. He finished with one goal and five points, offering an early glimpse of his puck-moving skills.

“I think he’s a real good player,” said Paddock. “It’s going to become a little bit harder because it’s for real (in the regular season) and to some extent it’s older, bigger, more experienced guys. But he’s a really cool calm guy with the puck. That’s the part of his game we really like.”

When the Pats selected Zamula in the first round (54th overall) of the 2017 CHL import draft, he was immediately compared to the player he would replace — fellow Russian defenceman Sergey Zborovskiy.

Zborovskiy spent three seasons in Regina before turning pro this fall with the New York Rangers, who selected him in the third round of the 2015 NHL draft. The 6-foot-4, 195-pounder developed into an elite shut-down defender and also improved his offensive contributions every year, culminating last season when he notched 40 points and a league-best plus-72 rating in 63 contests.

Zamula’s game might develop in reverse order.

“He appears to be really good with the puck — his poise and the plays he sees and the passes he can make,” said Paddock. “That’s his strength. Sergey was just a little greener overall and came to understand and develop the role of shutting down another player or another team. It’s the same result on the scoreboard — produce a point, stop a point. I think they’re going to end up being quite a bit different players but we know Sergey was a real valuable player to us and I think Egor has a good future.”

The Pats are hoping Zamula will be able to contribute quickly, but they also understand the need to be patient with a young player who’s adjusting to a new country in addition to a foreign brand of hockey. He had zero points and a minus-one rating after three regular-season games but — despite the odd bump in the road — has generally responded to every challenge put in front of him.

“From the start of camp to now he has improved a lot,” noted Smart. “I think he has impressed everyone. He’s a really smart player. He understands more than you think. At first it can be difficult (to communicate) … but he gets it pretty quick. He knows words here and there so you can kind of patch things together.”

At 6-foot-3 and 170 pounds, Zamula has a lanky frame that’s expected to fill out over time. The defensive part of the game could be a challenge for the youngster but — like Zborovskiy — he should benefit from a long reach and good mobility.

“He’s a lot like Sergey in that he’s going to move in a more rapid pace than some people might think,” added Paddock. “He’s going to get good opportunities because his ability puts him ahead of some guys. He’s either going to suffer a little bit and take a step back or else he’s going to rise to the level. I think he’s that kind of player. We’ll just have to see.”

NOTE: C Sam Steel and D Josh Mahura have been re-assigned to Regina by the NHL’s Anaheim Ducks. They were slated to be in the lineup on Friday night against the host Moose Jaw Warriors. Details from that game can be found on leaderpost.com.

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